Month: April 2023

Pep Guardiola saluted the character demonstrated by Manchester City after they went top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Fulham.

Julian Alvarez’s stunning 25-yard strike proved to be the winner at Craven Cottage, where Carlos Vinicius had earlier cancelled out Erling Haaland’s penalty.

Though not at their clinical best, the reigning champions displaced Arsenal at the summit of the table for the first time since February – and still have a game in hand on the Gunners, who they beat 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Guardiola was pleased with the way his players navigated their way through what developed into a scrappy contest with Marco Silva’s side.

“I didn’t have any doubt [in my players],” he told BBC’s Match of the Day. “The game was so tight until the end, we could not expect anything differently.

“This amount of games is a lot, but we knew that after we beat Arsenal at home, winning these types of games is really important. The players behaved amazingly.

“We responded really well [to Fulham’s equaliser]. The momentum was there, we were playing good. It was not easy because they defended really well; inside it was so difficult.

“In general, it was a good performance, knowing the opponent and knowing where we came from.”

Guardiola also paid tribute to Haaland, who became the first player since 1931 to score 50 goals during a single season for an English top-flight side.

“Before Winston Churchill was Prime Minister? Wow, sounds a long time ago!” the City boss smiled. “Congratulations to Erling. The best goals to help us achieve what we want still is there.”

John Lundstram admits Rangers cannot endure another season of frustration like this one after their last chance of silverware disappeared with a 1-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Celtic.

The Light Blues, who went into the game at Hampden Park as cup holders, were punished just before the break for failing to play to the whistle, with Daizen Maeda crossing for Jota to head in the only goal of the game.

Rangers have failed to beat their Old Firm rivals in their last six meetings and effectively the Hoops need only beat Championship side Inverness in the June 3 final to complete the domestic treble.

Midfielder Lundstram said: “We’re disappointed. I thought we played really well for large spells of the game.

“But we’ve just got to find that bit of quality in the final third and at the other end mistakes let us down again.

“The ball is still in play and the ref hasn’t blown his whistle. We’ve got to play to the whistle. It’s our mistake again. That’s disappointing.

“It’s frustrating for everyone but going forward into next season we’ve really, really got to nail it down because we can’t have another season like this season.

“We all want to win, we all want to do the right things, of course we do. But decision-making at times has got to be better.

“It’s let us down, not just today but on numerous occasions. All the lads have got to rally round and have a big, big push now for the start of the season.”

Lundstram insists there is belief in the dressing room that they can beat Celtic and they will get another chance when they host the Hoops in the final Old Firm league game at Ibrox in two weeks’ time.

He said: “You saw out there that there was a belief. We were the better team for large spells.

“We had one cleared off the line, hit the post, missed an open goal with Fashion (Sakala).

“So the belief is there but it’s just the fine margins. They are getting the fine margins better at the minute.

“At the end of the day we’ve got to finish those chances that we created.

“We’re getting in the right positions, it’s just not falling for us. It’s just frustrating for us at the minute and it’s still raw for me.

“Going forward, we need to start winning these Old Firm games. It’s no secret.

“Just really disappointed but of course going into the next one, those fine margins I’ve just spoken about, we can get them in our favour.”

Pep Guardiola labelled forwards Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez an “incredible weapon” after the pair struck during a gritty 2-1 win at Fulham which returned Manchester City to the Premier League summit.

The champions had not been top since February 17 and were made to work hard to move above Arsenal by a determined Fulham side.

Marco Silva’s men showed their resilience after Haaland scored his 50th goal of the season from a spot-kick to give City the lead after just three minutes.

The Cottagers found a leveller through Carlos Vinicius, but it was a touch of class from Alvarez, who restored the visitors’ advantage in the first half – a strike that eventually secured all three points for Guardiola’s men.

The City manager praised his strike partnership, with Haaland taking his tally of league goals to a record-equalling 34 (alongside Alan Shearer and Andy Cole) for the most scored in a single Premier League season.

“I was really impressed that he took the penalty with the mentality that he has, strong and another goal helps us with Julian,” Guardiola said.

“Julian all the time helps us, he’s incredible, every time he plays he gives us everything.

“Quality goals and assists. Today with the penalty assist from Riyad (Mahrez) and after he has done so… we have two strikers when we need people in the box.

“These two guys are an incredible weapon that we have.”

World Cup-winner Alvarez has found opportunities somewhat limited this season, but Guardiola hinted he might find a way to play both the 23-year-old and Haaland.

“If you play almost all the games to be world champions for Argentina. He has something unique,” he said.

“But it has been a lot to understand that maybe in the future there can be something to make them both play. Especially in tight games.”

Fulham were dealt a blow for the remainder of their season, with injuries to Tim Ream and Andreas Pereira.

Ream has played every minute of Fulham’s Premier League campaign until he was forced off, while Pereira has been a key man since joining in the summer from Manchester United.

“Always difficult to take when you get the defeat,” Silva said. “It was what’s happened this afternoon.

“But the first thing is to mention that the worst thing that happened was not the result but the injuries to two players.

“Unfortunately for us it looks like serious situations in both cases.

“Tim Ream is probably not playing anymore this season and has broken his arm, let’s hope Andreas Pereira is not so serious.

“This is the worst thing, because after Mitrovic (serving an eight-game suspension) and the injury of Willian, with a small squad like we have it’s really tough to take.”

Luciano Spalletti apologised to Napoli supporters for missing the chance to seal the Scudetto in front of their home fans on Sunday.

The Partenopei seemed on course to secure their first league title in 33 years after Mathias Olivera headed Napoli into the lead in the second half against Salernitana at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Lazio’s 3-1 defeat earlier in the day at Inter meant a win would have been enough for Napoli, yet just as celebrations were starting in and around the stadium, Boulaye Dia snatched a 1-1 draw for Salernitana with a stunning 84th-minute equaliser.

Napoli could still clinch the title as soon as Wednesday if Lazio fail to beat Sassuolo, but Spalletti acknowledged his side had let their supporters down with the late concession.

The Napoli coach told DAZN: “We are very sorry for not giving the happiness [of winning the title] to this wonderful crowd.

“We represent what their dream is. It is right that they receive this dream they have. We are the ones who materialise the dreams of our fans.

“We have to score this extra goal to give it to them. From my point of view, the enjoyment is only delayed because I am very comfortable with the current standings.

“We postpone it for now but it is a lengthening of the celebrations because I am convinced we will get the two points [to win the league].”

Their surely imminent Scudetto triumph would mark Napoli’s first such success since the Diego Maradona era.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen have led the way for the Partenopei on their quest for glory, but Spalletti emphasised the importance of his squad this term.

“It’s clear that if it [winning the title] were to happen, I’d have some satisfaction too,” he added. “But the players deserve it more because I’ve seen the attention, willingness and quality they have come to train.

“I’m referencing those who have played less because they force those who have played the most to keep the bar high and it becomes difficult to become a soft or demotivated team.”

Napoli sit 18 points clear and could wrap up the title when they face Udinese on Thursday, albeit the championship could be settled a day earlier if Lazio falter against Sassuolo.

Eddie Howe saluted game-changer Callum Wilson after seeing him come off the bench to fire Newcastle ever-closer to Champions League qualification.

The 31-year-old England striker was left out of the starting line-up despite scoring twice at Everton on Thursday evening, but took full advantage of his introduction at the start of the second half to help himself to another double as the Magpies turned a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 win.

In the process, Wilson reached 15 goals for the season to remind onlookers that record signing Alexander Isak is not the only player who can put opposition defenders to the sword.

Head coach Howe said: “Callum was exceptional – he changed the game for us.

“First and foremost, he comes on with the right attitude, as he always does. He’s got that desire to score, for the team and for himself as well, and he could have had a hat-trick. It was an outstanding display from Callum.”

For the second time this season, Wilson found himself named only among the substitutes after scoring a brace – a fate also suffered by Isak and Jacob Murphy in recent weeks – although Howe insisted he had not been banging on his door to ask him why.

He said: “We’ve had discussions and talks, but there’s been no bending the ear.

“I know he’s desperate to play every minute of every game, but I do think I have a duty to manage him as well and make sure that he stays fit for as long as possible because when he is fit and playing and doing what he did today, I don’t think there’s anyone better.

“I’m delighted for him, and it obviously gives me food for thought as we go through the last five games.

“In a three-game week previously, Callum would probably have played every game – and every minute of every game – and that might have meant he picked up an injury, so we can manage him carefully.

“But what I would say is that in times where he has been managed, his attitude has been absolutely first-class. That’s why he’s able to perform as he has.”

Meanwhile, Howe revealed that X-rays have confirmed midfielder Sean Longstaff did not suffer a foot fracture at Everton and could yet play again this season.

The victory – Newcastle’s eighth in nine Premier League outings – kept them in third place, two points clear of Manchester United who have a game in hand, with time running out fast for the chasing pack.

It was secured in starkly different fashion to those over Tottenham and Everton in the past week, with Stuart Armstrong stunning the home crowd with a 41st-minute opener before Wilson intervened either side of substitute Theo Walcott’s own goal.

The Saints were more than in the game at the break but succumbed tamely after it to leave boss Ruben Selles wounded, but defiant.

He said: “I’m very positive. We’re still alive, it’s still six points. I’m going to go to try to win the next four games, as I have been trying to do in every single game since I took the team.

“My chances are still there and I’m going to grab every single percentage of that. I know it’s low, but I’m going to fight until the very end of the season.”

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag singled Victor Lindelof out for praise after another impressive display in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

United have been without Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez over the past few weeks, with the latter set to miss the rest of the season.

Losing both in quick succession seemed a huge blow, but Lindelof and Luke Shaw – who has been moved centrally – have generally done well in their stead.

Lindelof enjoyed arguably one of his best games in a United shirt last weekend against Brighton and Hove Albion as they secured passage to the FA Cup final, and although the Red Devils threw away a lead against Tottenham in midweek, the Sweden international was hardly culpable.

Against in-form Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, Lindelof routinely seemed to be in the right place at the right time, making a team-high four clearances, including a vital one off the goal-line to deny the visitors a late equaliser.

Clearly, Ten Hag has been impressed, with Lindelof earning chances ahead of maligned club captain Harry Maguire.

“He’s playing fantastic,” Ten Hag said of Lindelof to BBC Match of the Day.

“Really good games in and out of possession. Today, totally defending in control, but then building up as well, good positioning, good decisions, so we are happy with that.

“The games and life are much easier if you get the second goal earlier or get the second goal. We already have seen we have many players, including Lindelof, who are determined to win the game in attack and defence and that is what you need if you want to be successful.”

Victory for United ensured that, even if Liverpool beat Tottenham, Ten Hag’s men will end the weekend seven points clear of fifth.

United will also have at least one game in hand on each of the three teams directly below them, meaning a top-four spot is all but theirs with six matches left.

Ten Hag is not taking anything for granted but recognises they are in a good position.

“I’m really happy with the points but also with the performance,” Ten Hag continued.

“Really good performance against a Villa side who did not lose in 10 games and scored in every game.

“We were in complete control. It could have been 3-1 or 4-1 [to United], so a really good and impressive performance.

“We have seen character today, we were determined, passionate and we had to win, and we played good football.

“We look from game to game and next we have Brighton, so we need to work hard again. We need to show passion again and not worry about the table.

“We are totally in control [in the race for top four], it’s all about us and it’s in our hands.”

Paris Saint-Germain’s 10 men slipped up at the Ligue 1 summit once again after they suffered a 3-1 loss against a worthy Lorient on Sunday.

Achraf Hakimi’s 20th-minute dismissal for a second yellow card followed Enzo Le Fee’s surprise opener for the visitors at Parc des Princes.

Although Kylian Mbappe brought Christophe Galtier’s side back on equal terms with a controversial finish, goals from Darlin Yongwa and Bamba Dieng handed the hosts another defeat.

It is their third in sixth league matches, although PSG retain a healthy gap to second-placed Marseille, eight points back with a single game in hand.

The signs of a potential PSG implosion were there inside the opening exchanges when Hakimi clattered through Romain Faivre with his studs.

It went from bad to worse for the home side when Le Fee smashed in from six yards following a cut-back, before Hakimi got his marching orders after he lunged in on Yongwa’s foot.

Mbappe restored parity with a moment of bizarre opportunity after goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo mistakenly thought he had a free-kick and dropped the ball in his box, allowing the striker to pounce on an open net.

But Lorient would not be kept level for long, and when a defensive block inside the PSG box went awry, Yongwa was there to pounce and claim back the lead.

Despite the man disadvantage, PSG pushed hard for another equaliser after the break, with Sergio Ramos inching a header over before the hour mark.

Lorient picked them off on the counter, however. After Dieng saw a tap-in chalked off for offside late on, he belatedly got his goal after seizing on a long ball for a breakaway goal.

What does it mean? PSG slip up again

After losses either side of the international break stemmed their momentum, three wins on the trot had got PSG back to winning ways.

But this loss might leave the door slightly ajar for Marseille, who stand to profit if the champions continue to slip up.

Hakimi absence leads to leaks

PSG’s defence has not always been the most steadfast, but they have generally been resolute at home.

That changed this weekend. For the first time in the QSI era (since 2011-12), they lost a home game in Ligue 1 conceding at least three goals.

Bamba from the bench

Dieng would not be denied late on, having seen a goal disallowed for offside seconds before finding the net again.

Even with that first effort struck off, the substitute had the joint-most shots (three) of any Lorient player.

What’s next?

PSG head to Troyes next Sunday, while Lorient host Brest.

Julian Alvarez insists “every game is a final” for Manchester City after his stunning winner against Fulham sent Pep Guardiola’s side to the Premier League summit.

The Argentina forward secured a narrow 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage, sweeping a wonderful 25-yard strike into the top corner ensuring an eighth-straight league win.

City leapfrogged Arsenal to the top of the table – with a game in hand on the Gunners – while they remain well on course for a potential treble, with a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid and FA Cup final with Manchester United also on the horizon.

And the World Cup winner encouraged his team-mates to keep pushing in pursuit of their aspirations for the campaign.

“It was a very important win for us today,” he told BBC Match of the Day. “We need to keep this going.

“We knew it would never be easy coming here because of the pitch, because of how good Fulham are as a team. We were very happy to withstand the pressure and hold out.

“[Top of the table] is where we wanted to be at the start of the season. Everyone’s put in really good work, and now we’ve reached the top, we need to defend it.

“Every game is a final for us and everyone’s going to pull together to make that final effort.”

Kyle Walker also acknowledged City cannot afford to relent in their charge, but the England defender dismissed treble talk as he is instead focused on the upcoming showdowns with West Ham and Leeds United.

“[Fulham] was always going to be a tough game after the emotions of Wednesday [against Arsenal],” Walker told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I think the form is so important. It has been good over the recent couple of months, but we have so much football to be played, and this form needs to continue.

“This is what you live for as a footballer – to be competing at the highest level. I’m not even concentrating on the treble. It’s just the next game and getting ready to face West Ham. We need to get another three points at the Etihad and then move on to Leeds.”

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou revealed Cameron Carter-Vickers would not feature again this season after playing through the pain barrier to help the team into the Scottish Cup final with an outstanding display against Rangers.

The central defender is set to undergo knee surgery but delayed the medical treatment to ensure Celtic stayed well on course for the treble.

The United States international and centre-back partner Carl Starfelt impressed as Rangers put Celtic under sustained pressure in the second half as they chased an equaliser following Jota’s headed opener three minutes before half-time.

The pair were first to the vast majority of balls into the Celtic box and Cameron-Vickers cleared off the line from Fashion Sakala as a 1-0 victory set up a Hampden return against Inverness on June 3.

On the former Tottenham defender, Postecoglou said: “He hasn’t put a foot wrong since we signed him. He has been outstanding.

“Him and Carl as a partnership, I could be wrong but they still haven’t lost domestically. They are an outstanding pair, they really work hard together.

“Cameron again keeps growing as a player and as a leader within the group.

“That’s his last game for us, he needs to get his injury looked at now, so that will be him for the season. But he wanted to play.

“I was trying to push him to have it done a bit earlier but I’m scared of him so I just let him do what he wants. He was keen to play and he put in a performance that befits his standing at our football club. It’s a credit to him.”

Ange Postecoglou lauded Celtic after their hard-fought Scottish Cup win over Rangers offered the Bhoys “the chance to do something special” in their treble pursuit.

Jota’s first-half header was the difference in Sunday’s 1-0 semi-final win over Rangers at Hampden Park, teeing up a meeting with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the final.

Just one win shy from sealing the Scottish Premiership and with the Scottish League Cup already secured, Postecoglou believes Celtic are on the brink of history.

“These things you have to earn,” the Celtic manager told Viaplay. “It’s not just rolling up and hoping it happens.

“Rangers put in everything to try and stop us. The boys were brilliant in attack when they needed to – and defend when needed to.

“You have to enjoy it when it’s hard-earned. We’ve given ourselves the chance to do something special.”

Yet Postecoglou insisted his side are far from the finished article, despite hailing Celtic’s gritty character.

“It’s not just about the football and individuals, but collectively, they take hold of games and have that resilience – that’s the growth of this side,” the Australian added.

“We’re not a top team yet. We’ve still a bit to do, but you have to embrace every aspect of the game to be one of those sides and we’re doing that.”

Rangers manager Michael Beale pulled no punches in his assessment, suggested his team have let down their supporters with their endeavours this campaign.

Beale told Viaplay: “Over the season, we’ve not been good enough. We’ve fallen short in winning silverware for our fans and the club.

“We played well in the game, we were in the game the whole time. We don’t want to feel like this this time next season.”

James Tavernier hit the post as Rangers looked to fight back, while Scott Arfield twice went close as Joe Hart stood firm in the Celtic goal.

A momentary lapse in concentration proved Rangers’ downfall when Daizen Maeda latched onto a loose ball and Jota headed in his right-wing cross.

“We had as many chances as we probably wanted today and it comes down to us switching off in the moment,” Beale added. “In their box, Joe made good saves, we missed on the rebound too.

“We played well in the game, we were in the game the whole time, so we’re disappointed to not get a result as I thought we performed well enough to get one. Today is a lot of what ifs.”